Alief, Houston, TX

People from all walks of life call Alief home. This area was once mostly families, but is now enjoying an influx of young professionals looking for inexpensive rent in an area convienient to the energy corridor and now downtown, uptown and the medical center.

Alief is also known throughout Houston as "Little Saigon" due to the number of Asian-Americans and immigrants who have settled down in the neighborhood and begun family owned businesses. The area is also home to a sizable Hispanic, Carribean and African-American population.

Much of the social scene in Alief are family owned businesses, or primarily Asian nightclubs.

You will find no shortage of different flavors in this neighborhood. If you are an adventurous eater, then this is the place for you. Many of the restaurants are Vietnamese, and offer authentic cuisine straight from family cookbooks. The Vietnamese restaurants range from a fast food setting to high end cuisine. There are also many other places to try, including Tex-Mex, Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants.

Bars are not too plentiful in the neighborhood, but for an interesting experience, have a couple at the Hong Kong City Mall food court. Its not everyday that you can have a beer in a crowded mall! There are a few small neighborhood bars, which are patronized by mostly regulars. For more mainstream bars, try Sherlocks or Fox and Hound, both on Westheimer.

Clubs are few in the neighborhood, and the ones that are there tend to have a rough crowd. There have been many reported incidents at these smaller clubs, mostly due to gang activity. For a safer club experience, you will more than likely have to travel down Highway 59 to the Midtown area of Houston.

It is extremely cheap to rent here, but beware of older homes and a high crime rate. There are many new developments to entice the young professional and younger Asian-American population into moving to Alief. These new apartments have all of the modern amenities, but can also be rather sprawling. If you are looking for a small new complex, you may be out of luck. New apartments range from $600 to $1200 depending on amenities, location and bedroom size.

Older apartments are still prevalent throughout the neighborhood, but while a good deal, often attract crime and have not been updated. These apartments range from $500 to $850 depending on the condition and number of bedrooms.

Homes are available, but are often outdated and not on a main street. The older homes start at roughly $850 and the newer construction (which is few at this time) is considerably more, starting at $1200.

Transportation is not a huge issue in Alief. There are several major roads to choose from, and you also have the benefit of Highway 59, the Westpark Tollway, and Beltway 8 very close. Bellaire and Bissonnet have a tendency to back up at rush hours and midday, so expect a bit of a wait.

If you are a bus rider, you have several routes to choose from, all along major streets. Check www.ridemetro.org for bus schedules and individual route information.

Parking is also relatively easy. Most of the new apartments have ample parking, and the shopping centers are equipped with large lots. There are very few older shopping centers where parking may be an issue, but those are few and far between.

This neighborhood can be a great place to live, either single, married or with kids. Be aware that this neighborhood is still in a transitional phase, and will have the problems that go along with that, including a high crime rate. Most of the neighborhood is quite safe, save for a few older apartment complexes and unsavory nightclubs.

In this neighborhood especially, its important to scope out your future home both day and night. The apartment may be great during the day, but can fire up at night. You will also want to ask about move in specials that may be available for your complex or home.

The neighborhood is very busy, which may stress an animal out. Most newer apartments have small greenspaces available to walk your dog at, check with the leasing staff. There are no dog only parks at this writing, and there are none planned. If you are moving into a neighborhood off of the main streets, the sidewalks are quite shady and offer a pleasant experience to walk your pet.

The newer apartment complexes are large enough to accomodate a large breed or several cats, but you will be required to pay a pet deposit. There are also breed restrictions in many complexes, old or new.

There are many things to do in Alief, all of which can provide unique experiences and cultural education.

If you are into shopping, then Bellaire Blvd. was made for you. This street boasts the Hong Kong City Mall, home to restaurants, importers, and a full sized grocery store. Along the boulevard are also individual shops for your perusal.

There is a large first run movie theater located at Beltway 8 and Richmond, a short drive up the feeder road on Beltway 8. You can also visit the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Westheimer and Highway 6, about a 20 minute drive from the neighborhood.

There are also several parks in the neighborhood, and two golf courses in short range to Alief.

Many of the streets are merely used as a way to get around, with nothing remarkable to note. Bellaire Blvd is interesting in the fact that it is "Little Saigon", the largest Asian settlement in Houston. This area is packed with shops, restaurants and cultural centers for your enjoyment.

There are a number of grocery stores to choose from, including Viet Hoa, located on Beltway 8 and Beechnut, and the Hong Kong City Mall grocery on Bellaire. There is a Whole Foods and Kroger on Westheimer, both a short drive away. A super Walmart is also nearby, located on Kirkwood and Westheimer.

Gyms are plentiful, but you will have to drive just a bit to reach them. There is a 24 Hour Fitness located on Westheimer, and there are several parks to choose from.

Banks are also readily available, which locations on all of the major roads of the neighborhood.

Dry cleaning and laundromats are close by, all located on the major streets of Alief.

Children in this neighborhood are zoned to the Alief School District. High schools in Alief ISD are assigned by a lottery, which can result in the student going to either Alief Elsik High School, Alief Hastings High School, or Alief Taylor High School. They can also choose to apply for admission to Alief Kerr High School.

Elementary and Middle schools can be found on http://www.alief.isd.tenet.edu/. Please visit this website to determine where your child will attend school.

There is also a public library located on South Kirkwood.